OYAP - Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Get on the skills fast-track
Do you:
- like to learn by doing things in a 'hands-on' way?
- want to find out about challenging skill-based careers with great job prospects?
- want a head start on a great-paying job while you're still in high school?
- want to work as an apprentice while you work towards your diploma?
If you do, then the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) could be for you!
Find out more about the program in the:
Expand your options
Maybe you've never considered a skilled trade career as a career option. Currently, there is a shortage of skilled workers in Ontario which is expected to intensify as many skilled workers retire. There is a wide range of interesting, challenging and well-paying jobs in four different trade sectors.
Some of the trades available in each sector are:
Motive power:
- automotive service technician
- auto body repairer
- truck and coach technician
- alignment and brakes technician
Construction:
- electrician
- plumber
- refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- brick and stone mason
- carpenter
Industrial:
- tool and die maker
- general machinist
- facilities maintenance mechanic
- welder
Service:
- horticultural technician
- cook
- hairstylist
- early childhood educator
- network cabler
Do your own thing--defy stereotypes
The truth is that, when it comes to the skilled trades, some young adults still think in stereotypes. Today, there's no reason why a young woman can't be an automotive service technician or a carpenter. And a young man can choose to be a child and youth worker.
But only you can break down those barriers. Look at all the available options with an open mind and be willing to defy stereotypes. Choose the program to apply for, not based on whether you're male or female, but based on your skills and interests and what might make a challenging, rewarding career for you.
Here's another stereotype - that a skilled trade is not a 'career.' It may have been true a generation ago that workers didn't need good grades or a high school diploma to enter a trade, but that's not the case today. Many skilled trades require you to have strong math skills, and most require you to complete your high school diploma. The skilled trades are definitely a 21st century career choice!
Benefits to becoming an OYAP student:
- you earn credits toward your diploma
- you start to accumulate hours and work toward trade competencies while at your placement
- trade-specific health and safety training is provided by skilled tradespeople
- you can move into work directly after graduation, and continue your apprenticeship
- 80-90% of apprenticeship training occurs on the job, so post-secondary education/training costs are lower
- excellent employment opportunities in well-paying careers
Who can register in OYAP?
To register in OYAP, you must:
- be serious in pursuing an apprenticeable trade after completing high school
- be at least 16 years of age
- have a minimum of 16 credits
- be a full-time student
- be enrolled in a Co-op program
It's easy to apply for OYAP:
- Pick up an application for Co-op at your school. Talk with your guidance counsellor, Co-op, or Technological Education teacher about becoming an apprentice
- Visit the websites below for more information about apprenticeship:
www.careermatters.org - click on "Apprenticeship"
www.gov.on.ca (search apprenticeship)
www.apprenticesearch.com
www.skillsontario.com
www.careercruising.com
How to make the transition from OYAP into paid apprenticeship
Most apprenticeships require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). After you have provided the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) with proof of graduation from secondary school, you can continue your apprenticeship by:
- Finding an employer who is prepared to continue your apprenticeship training by agreeing to hire and register you as a paid apprentice
OR
- Continuing the apprenticeship training by enrolling in programs offered at various colleges or approved training centers. You may want to contact your local apprenticeship office to discuss your options before making a final decision
Some assistance in finding employers is available through the services offered by Job Connect, which is funded through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In Brampton, Caledon and Bolton, it is offered by the Brampton Information and Referral Centre, in partnership with Sheridan College (905-459-0111). In Mississauga, it is offered by YMCA Employment and Community Services (905-276-9329).
You must register as an apprentice with the local training office of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) at 905-279-7333; a training consultant will be assigned, based on where your employer is located.
Approximately 90% of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers. The remainder involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college, but may also be provided by another approved training organization. Specifics regarding when you will be scheduled for the classroom instruction will be discussed at the time of your apprenticeship registration.
The apprentice must successfully complete each level of required classroom training prior to being scheduled for the next level. The cycle of work-placements and classroom training sessions will be discussed at the registration.
After approximately three to five years (depending on the trade), an apprentice with enough hours of experience and demonstrated completion of the classroom training, achieves a Certificate of Apprenticeship. A Certificate of Qualification is issued upon successful completion of the final trade exam. Some trades require the tradesperson to have compulsory certification (eg. auto service technician); others are voluntary (eg. cook).
Additional trade-specific training, taken during the apprenticeship can broaden an apprentice’s certification.
Passing the Interprovincial exam brings ‘Red Seal’ certification, which allows a journeyperson to work in other provinces.
OYAP receives funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). It is a school-work transition program that allows students to complete high school while developing work skills and building hours and competencies toward the completion of an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship is post-secondary education.
OYAP Student Profiles
The following articles from 'Career Connection' www.careerconnectiononline.ca and 'Ontario Prospects, Ontario's Guide to Career Planning' www.ontarioprospects.info feature OYAP students from the Peel District School Board. Both websites provide information about a wide range of issues related to career planning and youth employment.
To read and research specific apprenticeship opportunities in various trades,visit www.jobboom.com
Career Exploration and Labour Market Information
The following websites provide valuable information about choosing a career and finding out where job opportunities are:
- Ontario Job Futures
- Career Gateway
- Guide to Using Labour Market Information in Ontario
- Ontario Labour Market Information
Need more information on OYAP?
Contact:
Jerrold Karch
OYAP coordinator
Peel District School Board
905-890-1010 ext. 2525
jerrold.karch@peelsb.com
